FM newsroom – fire safety, facility management. Industry experts warn that fire risks in buildings are often underestimated—and frequently misunderstood. Recent discussions highlight that preparedness, not probability, is the real test of safety.
Learning from Tragedy
At a recent conference in Budapest, professionals from the Hungarian Fire Protection Association (TSZVSZ) and the National Association of Facility Management and Building Operation providers examined key fire safety challenges in building operations. According to Lánglovagok.hu, the discussions drew heavily on lessons from past fire incidents.
György Decsi, head of the Fire Protection Division at the Hungarian Chamber of Engineers, highlighted a recurring issue: buildings are often used differently from their original design—and sometimes even designed with compromises from the outset.
Speakers pointed to striking similarities across major international tragedies. The fire at the Colectiv nightclub in 2015, which claimed 64 lives, and Budapest’s West Balkan nightclub tragedy in 2011 both underscored the consequences of regulatory gaps and poor safety practices.
Another case, the Le Constellation fire, where sparks from a celebratory device led to 41 deaths on New Year’s Eve, illustrated how multiple small failures—flammable materials, blocked emergency exits, narrowed stairways and obstructive furniture—can combine into a fatal outcome.
Regulations, Responsibilities and Reality
Katalin Nagy, representing TSZVSZ’s architectural fire safety division, stressed the importance of proper documentation, including fire safety manuals and compliance records. She also highlighted a government regulation requiring service logbooks even for residential buildings with six or more units.
Mária Lestyán, president of TSZVSZ, warned that a lack of alignment between fire safety concepts and real-world conditions can seriously undermine safety. As she put it, the real question is not whether a fire will occur, but whether teams are prepared to respond effectively.
Fire brigade general László Bérczi reminded attendees that fire safety regulations are often born from tragedy. He cited the Ringtheater fire (1881), which led to the now-standard requirement for doors to open outwards in crowded venues.
The disaster also influenced the design of the Hungarian State Opera House, where architect Miklós Ybl introduced fire compartments and a metal fire curtain.
Risk-Based Thinking Takes Centre Stage
A panel discussion brought together operators, authorities and insurers to explore practical risks—from electrical safety and fire-resistant sealing to e-scooter charging, energy storage and gas cylinders.
Risk assessment engineer Péter Bajusz emphasised that insurers approach safety differently from traditional audits. His conclusion was clear: effective fire safety depends on accurate risk assessment and, above all, prevention.
Accountability After the Flames
Closing the event, Lestyán noted that accountability in fire incidents is rarely avoidable. Investigations typically identify failures, even if the consequences receive little media attention—creating a false sense of security.